Where to Stay in Savannah: Planters Inn

This past summer, as I was planning my summertime road trip from Atlanta to Savannah with my cousin Lauren, I asked her for advice as to where we should stay since she’d been to Savannah before. As it turned out, during her previous trip there, she stayed on the outskirts of the city and was just as clueless as I was as to where we could stay in Savannah’s heart that would suit our comfort level and our budget of about $175 per night. After scouring through hotel websites and TripAdvisor reviews, we decided on Planters Inn – a boutique hotel in Savannah’s historic district.

If you’ve been to Savannah, then you know that it’s a city that’s full of squares. Planters Inn is ideally located facing Reynolds Square which was named for John Reynolds, an unpopular Georgia governor who held office in the mid-1750s. As in Savannah’s other squares, in Reynolds Square you’ll find people shooting the breeze and enjoying the slower pace of the South.

Across the street from Planters Inn you’ll find The Olde Pink House, a famous restaurant that serves Low Country cuisine (think, shrimp and grits). The house was built in the late 18th century and has served as a private home, a bank, a tearoom, and headquarters for one of Sherman’s generals during the Civil War.

While not the most aesthetically pleasing hotel from the outside, once you step into Planters Inn’s lobby, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into the foyer of a modernized Southern plantation home. The high ceilings, the flowing window drapes, and the burgundy hued furniture and carpeting punctuated by the bright yellow walls all contribute to the august atmosphere. Stepping into the lobby, I felt the spirit of the genteel South.

By the time we checked in, it was well into the night, and we knew that we were too late for the complimentary wine and cheese reception that’s offered to guests each evening (except Sundays). But we vowed that we wouldn’t miss out on the complimentary continental breakfast the next morning.

Although it was late, before calling it a night, we walked down to River Street a few blocks over to grab a bite to eat. But because it was so late, most of the good restaurants were closed. We settled for salads and then headed to Wet Willie’snearby to grab some frozen daiquiris and hung out waterside for some late night laughs.

Planters Inn is the ideal hotel from which to explore Savannah. After our Savannah Freedom Trail Tour which ended near City Market – Savannah’s artsy district featuring dining and shopping options – we explored a bit by foot.

Ellis Square

Ellis Square

Through Ellis Square, past the capitol building, and some of the city’s picturesque residential side streets, within about ten minutes, we’d worked up a sweat in Savannah’s balmy humidity.

Soon enough, we’d walked back past Planters Inn and somehow ended up at Leopold’s Ice Cream (hmm…how did that happen?!) where the line was long but the wait was well worth the sweet cool down. I didn’t realize just how central Planters Inn is until taking our afternoon stroll.

Another great feature of Planters Inn is the impeccable service. From the 24-hour front desk receptionists to the valet parking attendants, everyone at Planters Inn greeted us warmly and everyone was quick to grant our requests. All of the Planters Inn staffers exemplified Southern hospitality.

The next time I’m in Savannah, I definitely won’t be clueless about where to stay. Without a doubt, it’ll be Planters Inn.

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This makes me miss Savannah so much! I just love all of the squares in the city. I’m sure they’re very much appreciated in the summer. I also went to The Olde Pink House and Leopold’s. The fried chicken was to die for and I’d recommend trying the banana ice-cream at Leopold’s! I need to go back…!

Happy travels 🙂

Dana Carmel

We didn’t get to eat at The Olde Pink House, but I’m sure it was delicious! And Leopold’s ice cream is awesome. I can’t remember the flavor I got, but I remember that I really enjoyed it.

I would absolutely stay at the Planter’s Inn, Dana! This goes on a very long list of post since we became friends where I wish Phoenix and were traveling right with you and Jave! It’s always so calm and easy going and inviting reading your stories. I love, love those oak trees and btw…I had grits for the first time the other day! The jury is still out and I’m not sure they were “real” grits but I will post another day on that. I don’t blame you for the ice cream being a major distraction but you didn’t comment on that retro movie theater! Those are so historic and almost impossible to find. Loved this post as always and Merry Christmas to you and Jave from us! 🙂

Dana Carmel

Hi Mike – thanks for reading and supporting. Really appreciate it! I haven’t had shrimp and grits in some time but recall that I loved it. I love a good bowl of buttery grits. Yum! I hope that you and Phoenix will get to Savannah one of these days. He would definitely love chasing squirrels in all of the parks and squares. Hope you had an amazing Christmas!